Dirty Dealer: A Hero Club Novel

by Kacey Shea

  Wait. Does she mean—? “Rachel.”

  She looks up at me from beneath her lashes. “Yeah?”

  “Can I ask a favor?” I lean forward, closing the space between us.

  “Anything,” she whispers.

  “Would you, maybe,” I scrub a hand over the scruff of my jaw to keep from smiling. God, I’m a selfish bastard for asking her to do this with me, but I won’t go without her. I don’t want to waste another minute of this weekend together. Fuck, I hope I’m not reading this wrong because her rejection will sting. Still, I have to ask. I also have to give her car back after the weekend. As much as I like the idea of her staying longer, I can’t deceive her if I expect anything real to develop. And that’s what I want. Something real. Honest. “Will you be my date tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  “We only have to stay for a few hours. I just . . . I’d really like you to come.”

  “I already said yes.” She grins.

  “Do you have something to wear? If not, we can go shopping. My treat.”

  “Jude.” She narrows her gaze. “You are not Pretty Woman-ing me. If there’s one thing I have, it’s clothes for any occasion. Is it black tie?”

  “I think so. Let me check.” I search through my emails and pull up the details on my phone, then tilt the screen so she can see. “It’s down in San Diego. We should leave by five.”

  Her eyes bug as they bounce from the time on the dash to the invitation on the screen. “That only gives me, like, four hours.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Shit. Jude!” She unfastens her seat belt and reaches for the door handle, pushing the door open and sliding out in one fluid movement. “That doesn’t give me much time, but I’ll do my best.”

  I scramble to get out of the SUV and meet her at the elevator. Jesus. She’s fast in heels. “Rachel. You don’t have to make this a big deal.” I grab her wrist gently and catch her gaze. “You’re beautiful. Throw on a dress and some of that hot red lipstick later. I don’t want you wasting your whole day getting ready.” I also was sort of hoping we could pick up where we left off with the kissing.

  Her brows rise, mouth falls open, and for a split second I wonder if she might slap me.

  I release her wrist. “Or you can do whatever it is you were gonna do.”

  The doors open with a ding and we step inside. I scan my card and press the floor for my condo before chancing another look in her direction.

  She takes a step forward, her eyes eating me up like I’m her favorite snack. “I want to be irritated at your ignorance, but I’m stuck on the fact you called me beautiful.”

  “You’re fucking gorgeous.” I can’t hold back my grin. “And I’ll be the luckiest guy in the room tonight with you on my arm.”

  “Save your pretty lies for later.” She waves me off, and as the doors open at my floor she struts off the elevator. “Come on! Hustle up. I need in the bathroom, stat!” she calls over one shoulder. But there’s a smile in her voice that fills my chest with warmth. She wants me. I don’t know why or how after last night, but I thank my lucky stars I get another chance. This time I won’t blow it.

  38

  Rachel

  While Jude didn’t give me much notice, this is one of those times being a professional makeup artist comes in handy. As soon as we get back from the club, I race into a shower and shave everything that needs attention. Then I set to work on a dramatic look with heavy eyeshadow while my hair dries. I consider calling in De’Shaun’s help, but even though we’re friends on set, this isn’t a real emergency. Besides, I can handle a simple slick ponytail. It takes time to straighten my long locks, but the effect is worth it. Especially when I slip on my black gown. The front has a high neck—no cleavage, but the backless design of the floor-length dress makes up for it. The satin sheen of the fabric is perfect for showcasing the pendant gold necklace I pick out of my jewelry collection.

  Classy and sexy.

  Minutes before it’s time to leave, I emerge from the bathroom ready to go with my clutch in hand. Jude waits in the living room. He’s watching television, reclined on the couch, and for a moment I greedily soak up his appearance unnoticed. My God. This man. I’ve seen him in a suit so often, you’d think I’d be immune to him in a tuxedo. Newsflash: I’m not.

  His gaze flicks away from the television and his eyes land on me. They widen. His body stills.

  “This okay?” I say, suddenly nervous as a wave of inferiority washes over me. This dress is gorgeous, but it’s second-hand and at least five years old. I spin in a circle to release a little anxious energy.

  “I changed my mind.” He stands and stalks forward, his eyes heated and jaw tight. “I want to stay in. All night. With you in this dress. Or maybe I’ll take it off.” He rests an open palm on my hip. “Fuck, Rachel. You’re beautiful.”

  Before he can kiss me I hold a hand up between us. “Lipstick.”

  “Doesn’t matter. We’re ditching the gala.”

  A laugh escapes my lips and I step out of his reach. As temping as that is, I can’t help but feel we’d both regret it later. Besides, there’s something tantalizing that comes with anticipation. Even now, my thighs clench together with the promise of what we’ll do when we return tonight. “No way.” I pat his shoulder as I pass by. “I didn’t go through all this work to be late.”

  “Damn, woman.” He groans, but follows me out the door.

  I know Jude would have rather stayed home, but I’m enjoying the gala and I think he is as well. He introduces me to Aubrey and Chance as soon as we arrive, and I instantly like them. The guys talk shop and Aubrey tucks her arm in mine, beelining us toward the appetizers and open bar.

  “Okay, now that the boys are out of the way, tell me everything.”

  “Um.” I pile a scoop of dip onto my plate, and laugh nervously. “What do you want to know?”

  “When did you two finally get together? I can’t believe he didn’t tell me—or Chance. This is big.” Her wide eyes stare expectantly, and she claps her hands together.

  “Well, we didn’t really make things official until today.” But is that even right? We kissed. Twice. Really good kisses, but that doesn’t mean we’re together together, or exclusive. Does it? Jude’s hungry gaze as he took in my appearance before we left the condo flashes in my mind. Okay, so sleeping together is only a matter of hours away. But where does that put our relationship status? We haven’t discussed it. At all.

  “Today is good!” She pats my arm as if sensing my apprehension. “You’ve been staying with him, yes? He’s totally smitten, and Jude doesn’t do smitten. Can’t stop staring, either.” She tilts her head toward the guys and sure enough, Jude’s eyes catch mine.

  “It’s new.” I smile at Jude as he shoots a wink my way. “But I really care about him.”

  “I’m happy for you both. He deserves happiness. He’s a good man, even if he hates goats.”

  “Goats?” I stifle a laugh.

  “More like he’s terrified of them.” Aubrey nods, her smile wide as she piles more food onto her plate. “We have a goat, and Jude walks around our yard like there’s a sniper out to get him.”

  I take a few more slices of cheeses and meat, then follow her to an empty high-top table. It’s the perfect people watching vantage point. Most of the ballroom is visible, and we chat while watching groups meander through the silent auction tables.

  Jude is a popular guy. Each time he moves away from someone, another arrives to chat his ear off. But I like watching him work the room. He has an easy smile, and I can see why he’s good at what he does. I wonder how many of these people are clients or vendors. Probably a mix of both. Getting to see this side of him is precious insight into a very complicated man.

  When a man about Jude’s age comes over and slaps him on the back good-heartily, Chance lifts his beer to Jude as if he’s going to get another. But instead of hitting the bar, he walks over to our table.

  “Missed you.” He hugs his wife and kisses
the top of her head before meeting my gaze. “Can I join the cool table?”

  “Right.” Aubrey pokes him in the ribs. “Don’t act like you aren’t using us to avoid someone.”

  “God, he’s such a fuckwit.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know how Jude puts up with his shit. I’d tell him to bugger off.”

  “Who’s that?” I ask, curious because he and Jude appear to be having a good laugh.

  “Pierce Bowen. Rich little bastard who has no problem spending all his daddy’s money.”

  “He really is the worst,” Aubrey says.

  “Oh, I’m aware.” I bite my cheek, remembering the call Jude took from him in the car. “I just didn’t know what he looked like.”

  “He’s a reason why we can’t have nice things.” Aubrey rolls her eyes. “Pretty package, ugly inside.”

  “You think he’s pretty?” Chance’s brows shoot high and he shuffles to fully meet his wife’s gaze.

  “Oh, stop.” She grins, then reaches up to twine her hands around his neck. “You know I only have eyes for you.”

  “Damn straight,” he murmurs before capturing her mouth in a searing kiss.

  I look away from their public display of affection, suddenly feeling like the third wheel. “I’m going to find the restroom,” I say, but they aren’t paying attention. They’re too busy kissing and ignoring everyone in the room. I kind of admire how unashamed and in love they are. Jude told me they have a baby at home, and he won’t be surprised if Chance knocks her up again soon. I can see why.

  Weaving my way through the now-crowded ballroom, I finally make my way out to the hallway and follow the signs toward the women’s restroom. I spot the door just as my name is called.

  “Rae! Hold up!” The voice is so familiar. Too familiar. A shiver races up my spine and my gut clenches as it connects with my memories. I want to hide. Ignore it. Pretend it doesn’t exist, but my brain doesn’t get the signal and my feet stop, my body turning toward the sound.

  “Rae.” Ethan approaches, slightly out of breath but with a wide, surprised smile. “Rae, I can’t believe it.”

  Neither can I. The ex-boyfriend I never wanted to see again, the one who inspired my cross-country move, stands before me with an expectant grin. His arms are open and waiting to draw me back into a web I never, ever thought I’d experience again.

  Before he can touch me, I take a step back. “Ethan. Hello.” My words come out as cold as I feel.

  He takes the hint and shoves his hands into his front pockets. “You . . .” He blows out a breath, his eyes traveling the length of my body in open appreciation. “You’re beautiful as ever.”

  I shake my head. “Don’t.” I won’t stand here and act as if we’re good pals, or former lovers. This man broke me. My trust. My confidence. He hurt me badly. I try to resurrect that old anger but come up short. Where there used to be a mountain of pain, I feel nothing. He no longer has that power over me. I breathe out a sigh of relief.

  “You’re a hard woman to get hold of. I tried calling.”

  “Yeah.” I almost make an excuse, but decide to be strong. “I have my life here now, Ethan, and it doesn’t include you.”

  His brows shoot high on his forehead. “Okay. Wow.” He rocks back on his heels, his smile faltering. “I really fucked up, didn’t I?”

  “You did.”

  “But you’re good?” He almost appears concerned, and maybe he is. He might be shallow and immature, but there were moments of realness in our relationship. It’s why it hurt so much when I found him cheating.

  “I’m really good.” I think of Jude. I think of all the jobs I’ve worked, and the movie set I’m on now. None of it would have been possible had Ethan not broken my heart. Our breakup was the wakeup call I needed to finally pursue my dreams. I almost thank him, but he doesn’t deserve the praise. It wasn’t him who rose from the ashes. That was all me. “You have a good night, Ethan.”

  “Night,” he says, a little stunned by my curtness I’m sure, but I turn and march in the women’s restroom before he recovers. I’m over Ethan, and it feels damn good to be the one to walk away this time.

  After using the restroom, I head over to the wall of mirrors to check my makeup before heading back to the gala. I’m not the only one, and it takes a moment before a space opens up. I dig in my clutch for my lipstick and lean close to the mirror to swipe the color over my lips. I’m recapping the tube as my name is called by a familiar voice for the second time tonight.

  “Rae! Oh, my God!”

  Surprise hits my chest when I see it’s Jenni, the nicest of my roommates. I haven’t thought about her or any of them in days, and it takes a split second for my brain to make the connection. She finishes drying her hands from across the restroom and rushes over.

  “Jenni! Hi!” I don’t know what she thinks of me now, after all that went down with Crystal. I have no doubt she’s been given a skewed version of the story, but I smile and hope for the best. I’ve always liked Jenni.

  “You look so glamorous.” She assesses my dress, hair, and makeup.

  I do the same. She’s in a deep purple dress. It’s short and the neckline V’s deep, but with her thin figure it totally works. “I love your dress. It’s beautiful.” Her makeup is nice, but I could’ve done better. I wonder if I were still at the apartment, would she have asked me to help? My stomach drops with the thought of going back there on Monday. This week with Jude has made it easy to forget, but I can’t stay with him forever. That’d be crazy, totally, and besides, he hasn’t asked. “How are you?”

  “Oh, my God. I’m great! I started working on that show I booked. It’s been incredible. Long days, but I’m acting. So it’s all good, you know?” She fiddles with the handle on her clutch, her gaze darting around as if checking for an audience. She leans forward, her voice dropping. “Anyway, I was really sad to hear about everything. Andrea told me what happened. I know how Crystal can be, and well, Kari Ann never does anything without her approval. But you’re good? Right? Obviously, you’re here, looking fantastic.”

  Her concern is well intended, I’m sure, but it’s not as if she called or texted to check on me before tonight. She’s been friends with Crystal since high school, and I’m sure she wouldn’t stand up to her on my behalf. I refuse to add more fuel to the fire by sharing my feelings, but at least she acknowledges Crystal’s cattiness.

  “Yeah, I’m staying with a friend.” Friend I’m about to get naked with. “And work is good. It’s so good to see you.”

  “Same, girl. Same.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “I better get back to my date. Don’t be a stranger!” She struts from the ladies’ room with one last smile and a wave over her shoulder.

  I turn back to my reflection, give myself one last look, and then head back out. It was good to see Jenni. It was great to tell Ethan good-bye. But it feels even better to be walking toward the man I want.

  39

  Jude

  Pierce boasts, going on and on about something I could care less of. I laugh at the appropriate times, tuning him out the best I can as I keep an eye on Rachel across the room. I try not to panic when she leaves, but my attention is distracted until she returns a few minutes later. A crazy protectiveness overwhelms my common sense when it comes to her. I’m sure she used the restroom, or took a personal call, but there’s a need to have her in my sight—or better yet, at my side—at all times.

  “She with you?” Pierce follows my gaze. His brows rise with interest, and a sleazy smirk forms on his lips.

  I want to punch him just for looking. But I know this man. If he thinks Rachel’s important to me, he’ll relentlessly pursue her. He’s like this with everything. Wants what he can’t have. Wants what someone else does, just to prove he can get it. But it’s worse with me. Ever since I took his girlfriend in high school, he’s been determined to one-up me. For what? To prove he’s better than the idiot teenage boy I once was? It’s ridiculous and shallow. The funny part is, I could give a shit ab
out his opinion, fortune, or social connections. The only reason I entertain his company at events like this is the amount of business he sends my way.

  “Yeah, she’s my date. Tonight.” I laugh as if it’s a joke. The lie tastes like acid in my mouth, but it’s what I have to do. He’s like a little kid. Reverse psychology is the best way to reverse his interest in her.

  “You’re such a horny bastard. Probably fucked half this room, haven’t you?” He slaps my back and takes another sip of his beer. “Not as many as I have, but a close second.”

  “I’ll drink to that.” I lift my drink to his.

  Some woman turns around from where she stands with a group. She scoffs, shooting me a dirty glare. She doesn’t say anything, but her point is obvious. She thinks we’re disgusting. I happen to agree.

  “She’d be so lucky. Right?” Pierce jostles my shoulder when the glaring woman returns her focus to her group. He lifts his gaze across the room and back to Rachel. “And when you’re done with that one, send her my way. I’ll pay a pretty penny. Better yet, she can help break in my new room. Tack it on with the expedited delivery fees.” He winks.

  Fucking hell. I clench my fists so I won’t pummel the smirk right off his pretentious face. He did not just suggest . . . I shake my head; anger fills my chest and boils over. I turn, blocking his view of Rachel because he doesn’t deserve another look at her beauty. A scowl contorts my features and I step closer, lowering my voice so only he can hear. “You didn’t just suggest I’m some kind of pimp. Or a sex trafficker. I want to make sure I misheard you before I tell your daddy where exactly your trust fund dollars are being spent.”

  His eyes widen, then narrow to slits as his jaw clenches. “Oh, I don’t think you want to threaten a Bowen.” His family name. He always falls back on it. Uses it as bail. But his warning does no good. Not on me.